Kokkinakis, Bains, Sharma eye Open berths

Thanasi Kokkinakis is one win away from qualifying for the Australian Open in Melbourne

Thanasi Kokkinakis has steadied to seal passage into the final stage of Australian Open qualifying, surviving a wobble against second-round opponent Sebastian Ofner.

He'll be joined by two emerging Australian women, Astra Sharma and Naiktha Bains, in third round qualifying action on Friday after the pair moved to the verge of their maiden main draw entries at Melbourne Park.

Kokkinakis defeated the Austrian world No.180, 6-4 7-6 (7-4), losing composure in the second set before rallying in the tiebreak.

He will face Canadian Peter Polansky for a place in the main draw.

While Isabelle Wallace, Lizette Cabrera, Kaylah McPhee and Olivia Rogowska lost their second-round matches, Sharma and Bains triumphed late in the day.